King Charles III and Queen Camilla recently concluded their visit to France with a stop in Bordeaux, a famous city known for its vineyards and its commitment to the environment. This visit allowed the British sovereign to meet local actors involved in the fight against climate change and to discover innovative ecological initiatives.
Upon their arrival at Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were welcomed by the French Minister of Defense, Sébastien Lecornu, as well as local authorities. They then had the opportunity to meet the city’s environmentalist mayor, Pierre Hurmic, who declared a state of climate emergency following his election in 2020.
This visit aimed to highlight the historical links between Bordeaux and Great Britain, dating back to the time when the province was under English rule. These links continue today, since almost a quarter of British people living in France have chosen to settle in Bordeaux. The mayor stressed that this visit was also a recognition of the city’s commitment to the environmental and climate issues which are of particular concern to King Charles III.
The royal couple therefore had the opportunity to visit an experimental forest, where scientists are studying the impact of environmental changes on forests, particularly with regard to the drought which will hit the region in 2022. This visit illustrated the the king’s interest in environmental protection and his commitment to a more sustainable way of life.
Next, King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited a vineyard converted to biodynamics, an environmentally friendly growing method that excludes the use of pesticides and promotes biodiversity. This visit highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture and the preservation of natural resources.
To conclude their visit to Bordeaux, the royal couple tasted a 2005 Grand Cru Classé at Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a renowned wine estate. This stage highlighted the excellence of Bordeaux viticulture, while highlighting the challenges facing this industry, in particular the overproduction crisis.
This visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Bordeaux highlights the growing importance of commitment to the environment and sustainability. It also illustrates the efforts made by the city of Bordeaux to face climatic and environmental challenges.